In each of the last three years, over $1 billion in external support annually has helped the California State University achieve its mission. While the CSU depends on state funds to support core educational functions, the university increasingly relies on the generosity of private donors and government partners. This support is not a substitute for state support but rather provides a margin of excellence that helps the CSU have enormous impact on California’s economic, social and cultural prosperity.

In earning $1.46 billion in external support for 2006-2007, the CSU achieved record support for the university and its students.

Benchmarking Performance

As a system, the university seeks to raise gift commitments in excess of 10 percent of the state general fund allocation. To reach this achievement, campuses have been divided into three peer groups to benchmark performance related to philanthropic productivity. The eleven Group I campuses are striving to build the capacity to raise gift commitments equivalent to 10 percent of the state general fund allocation. The eight Group II campuses seek to raise between 10 and 15 percent of the state general fund allocation. The four Group III campuses endeavor to raise more than 15 percent of the state general fund allocation. The factors for determining peer groups include the number of full-time professional fundraisers, the number of individual donors and the endowment market value, which are outlined on appendix Chart III. These factors have been determined by the CSU as the leading indicators for fundraising success.